The Rogers Charity Classic has kicked off giving season by raising a record-setting $26 million this summer for local charities, including Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids.
The annual summer golf tournament brought together professional golfers, community leaders, and volunteers in support of youth-focused initiatives. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $164 million, benefiting thousands of young people across the province.
Bethany Ross, Executive Director of Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids, emphasized the importance of the support.
“The alternative is kids don’t have the food they need in schools, and that is not something we are prepared to live with,” she said.
Among the 316 charities supported this year, Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids stood out with the help of professional golfer Wes Martin, who traded his clubs for sandwich-making.
“This is what this tournament is all about,” Martin said.
Sean Van Kesteren, Executive Director of the Rogers Charity Classic, highlighted scholarships as another dimension of the tournament’s impact.
“A lot of people don’t know we give out three scholarships,” he explained. “The feedback helps these kids who might not be able to go to university or college.”
The record-breaking fundraising total underscores the tournament’s growing influence. With more than $164 million raised since its launch, the Rogers Charity Classic continues to provide vital support to youth-based charities across Alberta.
“It’s so good to see people taking care of each other, especially kids,” said Ross. “Being part of something that makes us all better.”
Rogers is the parent company of CityNews.